Carmona city: Speaker Faustino 'Bojie' Dy III on Thursday reaffirmed his commitment to open and honest public dialogue as the House of Representatives kicked off nationwide consultations on the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Act, seeking broad public input on the long-pending reform.
According to Philippines News Agency, the first consultation was held at the Carsigma Gym along Sugar Road in Carmona City and was presided over by Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, Chair of the House Committee on Electoral Reforms and Suffrage. In a video message, Dy said the consultation process reflects the chamber's commitment to shaping major and politically sensitive legislation through transparent and sincere dialogue with the Filipino people.
The consultation focuses on several pending anti-political dynasty measures, including House Bill No. 6771, filed by Dy together with House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander 'Sandro' Marcos. The bill seeks to implement the 1987 Constitution's policy regarding political dynasties by defining prohibited family relationships and setting limits on the holding of elective posts.
Dy said the proposal addresses a long-standing public demand for reform, noting that the issue of political dynasties has remained unresolved for decades. He acknowledged that the issue carries varied and often competing views, emphasizing that the consultations are intended to solicit the views of the public on the matter.
He added the House will open the discussions to voices from all regions of the country. Dy said the House was serious about advancing the measure, adding its strength depends on genuine public participation. He urged participants to keep discussions respectful and constructive and assured the public that the House would act on the views gathered during the consultations.
Meanwhile, Adiong said the discussion was deliberately brought outside Congress to hear directly from citizens before finalizing the measure. Before opening the regional consultations, the committee conducted two hearings examining the proposal's legal and constitutional foundations and consulted legal scholars, advocates, and the Commission on Elections.
Adiong said reform would lack meaning without public participation, and public input would guide the drafting of the final measure. The public consultation drew in an estimated 1,500 attendees representing the youth, barangay officials, non-government organizations, women's groups, barangay health workers, and government employees. More consultations are expected nationwide as the House gathers public input before committee deliberations resume.
